Fall Beekeeping - Prepping for Winter

Fall Beekeeping - Prepping for Winter

For may of us in the Northeast, fall is a favorite season. Warm, colorful days, crisp cold nights, and bountiful harvests from our gardens and our hives!

As beekeepers, the cooler temperatures mean that we will soon be closing our hives up for the winter months. There are a few things we can do to help the bees get their affairs in order before the snow flies.

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Should I Order a Nuc or a Package of Bees?

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If you're a new beekeeper, it can seem like there are an overwhelming number of decisions to be made when setting up your first apiary. Do I need a bee suit or just a jacket? Plastic frames or wax foundations? Carniolan or Italian bees? There's no right or wrong answer to any of these questions, just like there's no right answer to give when new beekeepers ask us if they should order a nuc or a package.

Here's how we like to explain the difference, and our recommendations for when each is appropriate:

What's a nuc?

"Nuc" is short for nucleus colony, and it is easiest to think of it as a small version of a working hive. 

Top 10 Perennials for Bees

Top 10 Perennials for Bees

What is a perennial? The term "perennial" refers to an herbaceous plant that typically dies back in winter but comes back year after year. Perennials are a great addition to the landscape for a variety of reasons. There are so many varieties to choose from, and there is almost certainly a perennial plant that will solve a garden problem. Some love hot, dry places. Some love damp, shady spots. Some grow tall, some form ground covers. There is likely a perennial that will fit nicely into almost any area of your yard, even a container! 

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